GRAD Ashland: Technology Today(1 semester credit)

“Technology in education is less about the toolset and skillset and more about the mindset. The teacher’s most prominent role in the digital age is that of lead learner.”

1 Graduate Credit

Grading: A-F

Materials: Included in the course fee!

Graduate Credit: 1 Graduate Credit

Instruction Mode: Self-paced, Asynchronous (Online Class)

Time Frame: Enroll and start any time

See inside this course...

Course Description:

Gone are the days when the word classroom brought to mind an image of a dusty blackboard, chalk or the dim light from an overhead projector machine. Instead we think of smart boards, computers and other technology. Libraries and books as reference material are supplemented by the internet, blogs and Google; all of which are available at our (and our students!) fingertips. This three part integrated course, Technology Today, helps to bridge the gap, enabling safe implementation of technology in classrooms and preventing misuse by either students or adults while promoting effective learning. SECTION A enhances professional development by presenting tools, techniques and resources to advance skills in using technology. Introduction to Technology for Teachers highlights the advantages of using technology as both a resource and a tool for educators in their classrooms. Technology can promote effective learning only when used in the right manner. SECTION B, Technology in the 21st century Classroom, imparts valuable information regarding the principles of integrating technology in a way that promotes learning without being a distraction. The third section of this course stresses the need to protect students from possible dangers in the online world. It helps to create awareness about the threats existing in the virtual world. SECTION C, Internet Safety is filled with practical ideas and steps that educators can take to ensure safety of the students who have access to the internet whether through classroom technology, at home or via their cell phones. This integrated course helps educators gain an extensive outlook using technology effectively as well as safely. Self-paced Professional Development Credit classes incorporate online content, quizzes, interactivities and a Course Action Plan you can put to use in your work environment. Learning takes place asynchronously, at your convenience, and may be completed over a period of 4 weeks. Note, teachers looking for graduate credits, please check with your issuing authority about whether it will accept these online teacher courses.

Objectives & Outcomes:

As a result of successful participation in SECTION A, Introduction to Technology for Teachers, students should be able to:

Understand the basics of computers and operating systems.

Use office applications effectively.

Use email effectively.

Communicate and teach effectively through PowerPoint presentations.

Use web tools in the classroom.

Oversee a computer lab.

Create effective lesson plans that integrate technology.

Integrate technology into the curriculum.

As a result of successful participation in SECTION B, Technology in the 21st century Classroom, students should be able to:

Understand the current scenario in educational technology today.

Envision using a blog to facilitate learning.

Envision using a wiki to facilitate learning.

Envision using Twitter for learning in the classroom.

Envision using Google docs, and Google earth to facilitate learning.

Integrate various audio and video tools in the classroom.

Enable students to develop digital learning skills.

Enable students to take up different roles in the process of digital learning.

Category

Search Products

Your Shopping Cart

About Graduate Courses

"Your courses fit my needs perfectly. They were ideal for someone who does not have a great deal of flexibility,
and I learned a lot." - Emma Z

"This course was fantastic! I actually looked forward to working on the course! It was fun, interactive, practical and useful. Thanks for putting this together so well!" - Michele T.

"A great deal of technical terminology was foreign to me before I started this course. I have a new appreciation for blogs and various instructor/student sites that can be helpful for both students and teachers. The quiz was also a solid assessment of what was presented in the course."

Sophia S.

"I learned more from this course than I ever could have anticipated. It truly was enriching. I thought the course was great. It provided a different outlook on certain skills that will be helpful to me in my teaching."

Brenda K.

"This course was very informative and really opened my eyes to the struggles of autistic students. With an increase in autism, I know I will be teaching more autistic students as time goes on. This course gave me more confidence and ideas to handle these students."

Christine W.

"This course had me take a step back and look at my teaching style. I thought I was using technology by the occasional technology based project and using the SmartBoard every day. I now realize this is not enough. There are so many different ways I could include technology into my daily lessons. I need to try harder to include technology into the lessons."

Kelley Z.

"Both the Transformative Classroom Management and the Positive Behavior Intervention courses persuaded me to confront classroom challenges in a productive way. I thank you for that."

Robert D.

"This was a very enjoyable online class. It was extremely informative about cognitive skills. As a working teacher and mother, this class gave me great flexibility with the time frames. That was really important to me and made taking this class much less stressful. I enjoyed not having to write a paper but still took as many notes as if I would have. The test/quiz at the end covered the information and the questions were straight forward and not tricky. Thank you for making an online class informative, non-stressful, and extremely enjoyable."

Laura D.

"I loved all the printable materials and online resources. The course information is valuable and I've already started implementing some of it in my classroom. Thanks so much for offering this course. I enjoyed it very much."

Karen M.

"Great course for review and refreshment! The video clips were good and the review/check for understanding were very good/helpful/pertinent. I appreciated this course. Thanks!"

Rita M.

"I really enjoyed trying out the websites included in this course. I admit I was starting to fall behind in technology and I feel that this course and the websites/resources provided have given me some ideas to incorporate technology into my classroom. Overall I think my students will appreciate these new resources to differentiate their lessons and give them some more hands-on experiences."

Jacob G.

"This course has made me aware that there are many different methods of incorporating technology into the classroom. I knew that technology gave students instant access to all kinds of information but the concept of making lessons more fun, engaging the student, student centered learning will have a positive impact on my teaching. I do believe it is my responsibility as a teacher to continually improve and implementing new technologies will certainly lead to more effective learning."

Miriam A

"This is a wonderful way for me to select licensure renewal courses while confidently knowing that I am meeting the MN standards. The Everything package was perfect for me as I decided recently to renew my license and am hoping to do so in time for next school year."

Cindy B.

"This was my first attempt at on an on-line course in a very long time. I enjoyed the lessons and activities. Thank you."

Nancy H.

"Excellent course! Super resources, highly applicable and practical."

Debra H.

"I really enjoyed the course. It was straight forward and easy to use. The instructor was very elaborate in her responses, and helped to clarify questions. All responses were received in a timely manner as well. It was a great course with good pacing and I learned lots of material in a short amount of time that I can use in future classroom environments."

Mark F.

"I really liked the content of the bullying course. I felt the main points made were exceptional and should be taught to schools."

Rebecca S.

"Thank you for having this resource available to help meet licensure needs in a way that can fit into my schedule and finances!"

Joleen F.

"Easy to use and great for license renewals! Thanks!"

Ashley B.

"I love learning! Just completed this wonderful course in cognitive skill building, good towards 5 professional hours. The best part is, although I am a learning consultant and a reading specialist, I believe I learned more in this coursework, than in all my education classes combined. It got right to the point, addressing cognitive issues directly, instead of just tackling the secondary academic issues. It speaks to neuroscience, and the amazing capability of the brain to improve itself, through specific techniques and activities. The comprehensive nature of this program, and its practical uses is a marvel! Absolutely highly recommended."

Shari K.

"I love the fact that I can access this course any time or any where. It is also great that I have an infinite amount of time to complete the course."

Lindsay C.

"This is my first online course and I learned so much! The course began with material I was already familiar with and built upon that. I learned many new things that I can use professionally as well as personally."

Jennifer S.

"Information was conveyed in a clear, concise and interesting manner."

Maureen C.

"Great course presentation The videos were useful. The content was interesting. Text to voice-pleasant voice helped make learning pleasant."

Darlene J.

"I had no technical issues with this course, but it's my first one through your program and I just wanted to provide feedback. I was so engaged throughout the whole 5 hours of this course, that it amazes me. We teachers take these courses because we have to have so many hours of professional development per year, and it becomes a "duty." This was a PLEASURE. What a great feeling to come away from the time invested feeling like I truly learned something - and something enlightening and USEFUL! As an elementary teacher (first grade) reading and phonemic awareness are huge in my classroom - to have that addressed - as well as the practical ways to improve on the cognitive skills so necessary to gain academic achievement - this was a total worthwhile and successful five hours. I fully intend to take other courses with you, and to recommend to my colleagues what a great resource you are. Thanks - and kudos to PLB!"

Kathleen D.

"THIS WAS REALLY A GREAT LEARNING TOOL. THANK YOU FOR MAKING IT AVAILABLE."

Lisa A.

"I was pleased with the course and the facilitator. Feedback was timely and useful. Suggestions were thought provoking. I want to look over course offerings and probably take another course this winter."

Cean F.

"I can see that there are many ideas and materials that will be useful for the next school year, especially once we know our standardized test scores and goals for reading for the new year"

Judith Z.

"I really enjoyed and appreciate the learning opportunities provided through PLB. I am planning on taking more courses and letting my district, special ed. teachers and teachers know about this website. I can only say good things. Thank you so much."

Reeny S.

"I was very pleased with the structure of the course and the format it was presented in. I have already informed our union president about this site to make sure she promotes it in our district. Each course I took was extremely interesting. Thank you!"